The moment fans have been waiting for has arrived as the United States men’s national soccer team prepares to take the field under new coach Mauricio Pochettino. They will host Panama in Austin, Texas, with hopes set high for a strong performance. While key players such as Folarin Balogun, Gio Reyna, Tim Weah, and Tyler Adams are missing from this training camp, it allows room for others to shine and make an impression on Pochettino. Among these players is Josh Sargent, in solid form with Norwich City, who has added creativity to his game, which will be beneficial for star forward Christian Pulisic.
Pochettino praised Pulisic, calling him “one of the best offensive players in the world” during his pre-match press conference. Pulisic’s impressive performance with AC Milan includes six goals and two assists in all competitions, establishing himself as a crucial player. Despite a decrease in shot attempts this season, his efficiency has soared. His expected goals per 90 minutes have jumped from 0.28 to 0.52, and his scoring rate has nearly doubled. The challenge now is for him to replicate this striking efficiency on the international stage.
As the USMNT faces a series of compact defenses, Pulisic must leverage his ability to shoot effectively, particularly as defenders increasingly focus on him in Serie A.
Here are the details on how to watch the match:
Match Date: Saturday, October 13 | Kick-off: 9 p.m. ET
Location: Q2 Stadium – Austin, Texas
Broadcast: TNT | Live Stream: Fubo (trial available)
Odds: USMNT -215; Draw +290; Panama +550
Storylines:
For the USMNT, which has struggled to secure victories with just one win in their last seven games, this match is an opportunity to demonstrate readiness under Pochettino. The team is looking to build on a growing sense of optimism, but that can only flourish with clear signs of competitiveness. Intense training has been implemented, and a lack of commitment will not be accepted. It remains to be seen how well the team can respond against a winnable opponent.
Projected USMNT Lineup: Zack Steffen, Marlon Fossey, Mark McKenzie, Tim Ream, Antonee Robinson, Aidan Morris, Weston McKennie, Yunus Musah, Malik Tillman, Christian Pulisic, Josh Sargent
On the opposing side, Panama aims to rebound from a disappointing Copa America campaign marked by a heavy loss to Colombia. They previously bested the USMNT in the group stage of that tournament, enabling their own progression to the knockout rounds, but the team taking the field now will look different. Under Thomas Christiansen’s leadership, Panama has made significant strides and will face a tough challenge against Pochettino’s side.
Prediction:
Expect a competitive match where the USMNT will likely do enough to secure a win, a much-needed bright spot amid recent struggles. Final prediction: USMNT 2, Panama 1.